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| "Wait, who left?" |
Two top aides to Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson have quit the campaign, citing internal tensions.
In the latest sign that Carson's campaign is struggling, Campaign Manager Barry Bennett and Communications Director Doug Watts have resigned amid the one-time top-tier candidate's dropping poll numbers.
"Barry Bennett and I have resigned from the Carson campaign effective immediately," Watts said in a statement. "We respect the candidate and we have enjoyed helping him go from far back in the field to top tier status. Having just announced raising $23m(illion) for the 4th Q(uarter), more than any other Republican candidate, and passing 1 million contributions and over 600 mm unique donors since March, we are proud of our efforts for Dr. Carson and we wish him and his campaign the best of luck."
I think the next part of their statement would have read, "But this guy is out of his ever loving mind so we are getting out of Dodge while the gettings good."
Actually the two men blamed Carson's business manager Armstrong Williams for the acrimony. And that may be true to some degree, but I also think that most serious campaign workers have to see the writing on the wall with Carson.
Which of course helps to explain why these two were followed by twenty other campaign workers.
Carson has now dropped to fourth place in the polls, and as more primary voters start really taking a hard look at his experience and qualifications that number is sure to drop even further back.
Essentially Carson is this election cycle's Herman Cain. Sure he is a little different than the usual GOP candidate, but ultimately he is more of a distraction than a serious contender.
Another republican token bites the dust. He and Fiorina were there to attempt to dispel the we're not anti black and anti woman charade. Beck to the drawing board.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you 6:18 AM! Those two have been nothing more than Republican 'tokens'.
DeleteSorry excuse for a woman is my feeling about Fiorina and Carson comes across as being mentally and religiously off!
The Republicans failed miserably in their choices for presidential candidates! They truly are a 'clown car'!
@Anonymous 6:18 AM
Delete'''He and Fiorina were there to attempt to dispel the we're not anti black and anti woman charade.'''
Just like Herman Kane and Michele Bachmann were four years ago.
I never understood the appeal of Carson. For being a brain surgeon, he just doesn't seem that bright but that could be said of any of the GOP "deep bench."
ReplyDeleteI think he goes beyond 'doesn't seem that bright' and into early onset dementia territory. Or maybe scary delusional.
DeleteIn either case, I'd be nervous if he had ever done any surgery on me or my loved ones!
Yea, and doesn't he get to keep the millions they've collected for his 'supposed' run for POTUS? What a scam! The guy is plain weird!
ReplyDeleteWhy do you think so many of them start campaigns in the first place when they know they don't have a chance in hell of even making it to the Big People Table?
DeleteIf it's set up properly, running for office at these levels of government can be a very profitable venture.
Not only do they get to keep their campaign funds, but the exposure helps to pump up their profits on the speech/consultant circuit afterwards.
Democrats get prosecuted for using their campaign funds for personal use.
DeleteBut, Repubs do not get prosecuted for using their campaign funds for personal use.
I can't believe the Dems let the Repubs get away with this.
I remember Repub Christine O'Donnell was using campaign funds for paying her rent, paying her personal bills, and helping certain family members.
OH, but, Gryph -- it gets better!! A LOT better!!
ReplyDeleteRetired Army Major General (2 stars) Bob Dees is now Carson's campaign manager.
Dees is a biblethumping spiritual-warfare guy. The WashPost describes Dees as a "Christian soldier who believes in (Carson)." He's a VP at Jerry Falwell University -- oooppsss -- meant to say Liberty University. Dees is all into what he calls "MSI" -- Moral Spiritual Infrastructure -- or what the rest of us call "theocracy."
Dees insists Carson is vry knowledgeable about foreign affairs, military affairs, and national security matters.
Here's a quote from today's WashPost article about the Dees-Carson relationship:
-- quote
Dees referred to his trilogy of books about Resilience, and specifically to the 2014 conclusion "Resilient Nations." In it, Dees discussed the idea of Moral-Spiritual-Infrastructure, or MSI, and whether America's leaders and culture were weakening it. He'd spoken about that plenty.
-- end quote
Here's the WashPost article. You may not be able to read it because of subscription requirements.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2015/12/31/ben-carsons-new-campaign-chairman-is-a-christian-soldier-who-believes-in-him/
mark my words, Ben Carson has some type of degenerative brain disease.
ReplyDeleteThere is no way with his current intelligence capacity, he could do brain surgery; hence, he no longer does do surgery. His "retirement" was rather abrupt. It is very unusual for a reknowned surgeon to take the focus totally off medicine in their retirement.
When you are as religious as Carson and have mental issues, you believe God is speaking for you and to you.
I agree completely. There is definitely something going on with him that the public has not been told.
DeleteAlthough surgeons are known for not having great social skills, I can't imagine a hospital board hiring a neurosurgeon who is as scattered and confused as he seems to be when he speaks. For hospitals, especially in the field of high-profile neurosurgery, it's all about the liability.
"Although surgeons are known for not having great social skills,..."
DeleteThat pretty much fits with what some of his former coworkers said about him.
Hey, it worked for Ronald Reagan!
DeleteWasn't beyonce the one whose pregnant belly slipped down her shirt?
ReplyDeleteI know this happens but I'm not sure about this one. Though it's not as insane as idiots thinking Trig is Bristol's during a time Bristol couldnt have been pregnant.
"A number of wacky Internet blogs claim that Beyoncé was actually born in 1974, not 1981 – and rather than have the “Crazy in Love” singer suffer the shame of an unwed pregnancy, her parents pretended that Solange, who was born in 1986, was actually their child."
Huh? What does that have to do with anything? Wow, Gryph, you've got an exceptional set of trolls! LOL
DeleteThis is a joke, right? It sure made me laugh.
Delete3...2...1... the trolls will bring up Palin
DeleteFor all those admonishing IM'ers for bringing up the Palins in every thread, this tells you who is actually unable to stop talking about them. I saw that somebody at the p pond complained that the National Enquirer had a piece about the sale of the AZ house because she can't keep up anymore.
Delete9:59, I am confused. Who are you claiming "can't stop talking about them"? Seems to me that everyone saw through 6:50's attempt to change the subject of the thread. Are you so obsessed with Palin that you have to hijack every thread?
DeleteAlso, I would put money on the Kennedy's "killing" Marilyn are true. She no doubt had all their secrets and likely divulged some.
ReplyDeleteWhat people don't understand is, life is not shameful. EVERYONE has a life and past. That means we're not idle, unthinking amoebas. It's what makes a truly great memoir. Life is to be live without regrets. There is no shameful way to live when you're nice and live how you want to, not how society dictates, the latter of which creates unhappy people. That is why people love the Palins because they're nice and compassionate people who still keep faith and choose not to hate even those who slander them.
Alicia gave up her meds for the new year.
DeleteWhat are you talking about? Palins hate us Libtards and slander the President whenever their lips are moving.
DeleteMeanwhile, at C4P, the recently resurrected thanks to a Go Fund Me drive, VG has this to say this am:
In case you haven't heard the 'whispers' yet, ALL I can say is that you should be prepared for a major announcement by Sarah Palin. It ought to make you happy. Wait for it.
Remember he "knows" Chunkles Jr, so seems to be his head grifting henchman.
Is that a fact, 6:54 AM. Ask those that have been on the receiving end of that Palin "love." Idiot.
Delete@6:54 Off topic, badly written, incoherent babble, and what in hell does "life is not shameful" mean.
DeleteEvery Christian I've ever met says that humans are sinful, flawed, shameful, and deserve hell without god's help.
"there's no shameful way to live when you're 'nice' and and live HOW YOU WANT TO"??
You mean having 3 kids out of wedlock like Christian Bristol living vibrantly??
Sadly you've been drinking water with to many amoebas in it, and they have destroyed your hippocampus!
"Remember he "knows" Chunkles Jr,..."
DeleteWould that be in the biblical sense?
"...destroyed your hippocampus!"
DeleteSarah shot a hippocampus once while on safari.
"That means we're not idle, unthinking amoebas." What's this WE shit? Don't you ever we me.
DeleteBut since you brought it up. You act like an idle, unthinking amoeba every day.
6:54 is desperately trying to bring up conspiracies so she can direct the topic to Bristol. It is becoming ridiculous. Gryphen has put up a Bristol thread, so our obsessed troll can play over there to her hearts content.
Delete10:24, you are more annoying than the troll
Delete11:14, please go back to the Sailor thread.
DeleteDO NOT FEED THE TROLLS
DeleteYou must be writing in jest, 6:54 AM!! The Palins being nice - compassionate - keeping their faith and not HATING?
ReplyDeleteThat hardly describes the Palins Alaskans know! Sarah, Todd and Bristol are the absolute opposites! You need to research them better, would be my suggestion.
Don't feed the trolls
DeleteYes, they don't need no stinking slanderers!! They can do a better job of making themselves look bad than anyone else possibly could.
ReplyDeleteAny intelligent campaign worker knows when it is time to throw in the towel. If they don't, they will not be employed by a viable candidate in the next cycle (not that ole Doc Ben was ever a viable candidate).
ReplyDeleteFascism has a larger and larger presence in politics in this country. Theocracy/Dominionism is not far behind.
I think the checks have either stopped coming or they are bouncing.
DeleteCarson brought in $23 million in fourth quarter donations, a slight increase over his $20.8 million total from the the third quarter.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this, Sarah collapsed to the floor and screamed "why can't I get donations like this anymore?" She then started throwing cans at photo of Carson on the refrigerator.
^^^^^^^^^ THIS!^^^^^^^^^^^^
DeleteSo vg1 says that $arah has a big announcement coming that will make people happy? I can hardly wait, considering her track record. Snort!
ReplyDeleteI bet she's pregnant again!! Time for a new prop!
DeleteI was wondering when Bristol would announce her next pregnancy. Wonder who it is this time?
DeleteMaybe the old heifer is doubling down on her misconception that she's the only one that can save the planet.
DeleteMaybe someday she'll learn that everything she touches turns to shit when deceit is one's middle name.
VG likes to pretend like he has insider knowledge of AIP PALIN'S plans. Make him feel less impotent. He constantly claimed a "little birdie" told him Sarah would be announcing her run last year. He used that right up to the bitter end. I think he needs to convince the pond scum that he is special, so they will put him on a pedestal and donate to his charity go fund me account.
DeleteI am anticipating a knockdown, dragged out fight for the presidency with no holds barred by the surviving candidates. As the winter wears on I expect to see the large republican bench thin out to just 4 or 5 candidates. However, Trump and Cruz will still be atop the standings.
DeleteThe new year will bring many challenges to our freedom and liberty. We can thank the socialist democrats and their leader Barrack Obama along with a traitorous to their word republican majority for that. Scum-bags all.
Here is a question for ya; HOW much tighter will you let the government tighten the noose around your neck before you say enough is enough? Do you want to be subservient to your government, or do you want to take your government back from the usurpers who are slowly bleeding the very life out of you and yours as they steal your freedoms, your wealth, your very RIGHT to live as YOU see fit ?
Did any of you make a New Years resolution? I did. Want me to share it with you? Okay, here is my one and only resolution. It is to stay alive and ring in the New Year of 2017!
In case you haven't heard the 'whispers' yet, ALL I can say is that you should be prepared for a major announcement by Sarah Palin. It ought to make you happy. Wait for it.
How the hell else can I pay the cable bill?
DeleteI have no doubt that the gentleman has the health issues he has. My issue is his diatribe about God in the morning, God at night, and as rude as they come in between.
DeleteIf it wasn't so bad for our country, I'd wish he'd get the exact country that all of them want to get back to. He benefits off the government teat he professes to hate. Big time.
Fortunately for the USA, Carson's campaign has failed, mostly due to the incoherent rambling ignorance, and feckless comments of the principal.
ReplyDeleteOnset of dementia may well account for his persona at this point.
It is painfully obvious this man is in no way ready to be President if he thinks the campaign is "hard".
Hiring Christian fanatic theocrats is understandable if you're planning on ruling your kingdom from the bible.
Fortunately, our founding fathers told us exactly what they thought about that in the 1st amendment and in article 6 paragraph 3 of the Constitution.
30 years ago, our Republican leaders were a bit more level headed, if you can call it that.
Quote:
We establish no religion in this country, we command no worship, we mandate no belief, nor will we ever.
Church and state are, and must remain, separate.
. All are free to believe or not believe, all are free to practice a faith or not, and those who believe are free, and should be free, to speak of and act on their belief.
President RONALD REAGAN
Unless you own a hospital, bakery or craft store.
DeleteThen you can dictate your religion to all of your employees, patrons and customers.
We really need a Democratic president or at a minimum of two terms simply to fix all of the poor decisions the Supreme Court has made. I could take even longer.
He told Fox last night that his 'experience in corporate America' is going to help this new phase of the campaign. Since when are surgeons part of corporate America? Ben, Ben, your time is past. You were Reince's token, and lasted far longer than he thought you would, but any money spent now will be wasted.
ReplyDeleteOT-100Years ago>
ReplyDeletehttp://www.salon.com/2016/01/01/youll_never_drink_again_sex_race_science_and_the_real_story_of_prohibition/
One of the aides being interviewed yesterday said despite the inner turmoil and tensions in the campaign, he would still vote for Carson.
ReplyDeleteThese campaign workers are all afraid to burn their bridges, and have to stroke their bosses, ex-bosses egos. The whole campaigning cycle requires people to say and do what in their consciences they would rather not say and do, but, they want those pretty pay-checks.
I would bet Carson will be accouncing he's quitting soon; they know he's bailing ship and they're still hoping he keeps them on his 'nice' list.
... don't think they mind burning the bridge to Carson, but i'm sure they want to keep working in the industry and nobody likes a turd in the punchbowl.
DeleteOT-
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/obama-gun-control_56869330e4b0b958f65bbb1b
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/oregon-ranching-case-sparks-anti-government-sentiment-36048971
Since Carson came on the scene, I had this weird feeling about him. It's like he's trying to hypnotize people when he speaks. He knows how to speak in a way to manipulate and draw attention, in this eerie, almost Twilight Zone zombie way.
ReplyDeleteI think the good doctor needed to just retire. He is just too creepy sounding.
Carson has talked in a measured tone for many years. Something is different now though, he looks like he doesn't know where he is sometimes.
DeleteInstead of hypnotizing others, I think Ben is hypnotizing himself when he talks. Or possibly, he is just putting himself to sleep. He is definitely creepy to watch.
DeleteGryphen, Please check out the illustrator,
ReplyDeletecartoonist Steve Brodner. Then scroll to
Steve Brodner The Nation. The Nation is a
magazine. You must see his cartoon of
Trump called UNDER TRUMP'S COMB-OVER.
His political cartoons are exceptional!
I wish there was a way you could put them
on your Blog. He nailed it!!!!!
http://www.thenation.com/article/under-trumps-comb-over/
DeleteI would say that I can't wait for his "ooze-becky-becky-stan-stan" moment but I think he has already had a couple. Shucky Ducky!
ReplyDeleteCarson will be going a lot sooner than people might have thought.
ReplyDeleteHe's lost quite a few of his top campaign people. His bid is over. Too many mistakes, too much bad press and now whoever he might have had to do damage control and put out fires have left.
He's done.
He's at 9.4 now with Trump, Cruz and Rubio ahead of him. Both Jeb! and Christie are going to surpass Carson as he falls and they rise. If he's smart he'll fold before he passes Paul and Fiorina on his drop to Santorum and Graham territory.
He might last until after Iowa and New Hampshire but when he loses them I think it won't be long before he folds his tents and slinks away too.
Couldn't happen to a more deserving mentally challenged clown.
I think the next group we'll see go are Santorum, Graham, Kasich and Carson.
Huckabee should but he'll hang on tenaciously for a few states until it's very clear he's lost. (Because he's in it for attention and money. He *knows* he doesn't have a chance. (Or a prayer.) The next bunch to drop out will be Huckleberry, Fiorina and Paul.
Those sticking it out to the very end will be Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Christie and Jeb! if only as a reflection of personality. (And Jeb! figuring he is the heir apparent and someone will make it happen.) Personally, I think the nominee has already been decided, hence the floating of the brokered RNC. The candidates just need to keep their noses clean and try not to make too big of asses out of themselves. Well, except for Trump. It will *NEVER* be Trump. That's why they're brokering the convention.
None of these losers will win against whoever the Democrats put up, but it might be a race between Christie and Jeb! Both have baggage but both turn the least amount of Republicans off compared to the other three. It won't be Trump and Rubio and Cruz are too Fascist for the Independents and non-partisans.
In the meantime, O'Malley won't last either. I think he's just sticking it out to make it a race. There are probably promises behind the scenes urging him to stay in a bit longer just for appearances sake.
And I'll repeat. If the Dems are smart, they'll put both Bernie and Hillary on the ticket. BOTH of them.
We should really be turning our attention to the Congressional races. That is where the Democratic vote will really make a lasting difference. That, and making sure a Democratic President makes the next Supreme Court nominations.
I admire these people more than Mike Schmidt and Nicholle Wallace. They kept taking a paycheck while desperately trying to make Sarah seem somewhat intellectual, likeable, and electable.
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't know how Carson, retired brain surgeon, made it this far. He looks like he's on the verge of falling asleep or being jarred awake in every photo.
I read some excerpts from his wife's book this morning. They truly are a match made in paranoid delusional heaven. Daily Mail. You have to see it.
ReplyDelete